There are Pros and Cons to everything. 

Although there is no silver bullet solution, the ramifications for some of our choices not only impact our present reality ... but future generations.

            * 1 used sanitary pad = 120cm3

Imagine ...
those pads not disappearing for 1000 years!

In Egypt,  28.75 million women currently menstruate each month (ages 12 - 45 years), if they use and discard 20 pads per menstrual cycle, this will accumulate into 28.75 million m3 of non biodegradable used sanitary pad waste over 33 years.

In 33 years, the women of Egypt will collectively discard the equivalent of 11 Great Pyramids of Giza in used sanitary pads...

Globally*, each year 348 billion sanitary pads are sold and discarded with a total volume of 41.76 million cubic meters = 16 Great Pyramids of Giza ...

So, in 2057 (33 years from now), the world will accumulate 528 Great Pyramids of Giza worth of used sanitary pads lasting over 1000 years.

Reusables can be a healthy alternative solution. 

If you are curious about how you can make your own reusable pads or protective underwear, check out our DYI Tutorials here

To view the Conference Keynote that inspired this Monumental Math post:
Click this Link to "Tackling Global Issues that Impact Women's Health"

*Let's Ask ChatGPT to do the math ...

Estimating the exact number of used sanitary pads discarded globally each year is challenging due to varying usage patterns and limited comprehensive data. However, based on available information, we can approximate this figure.

Global Market Insights:

    •    The global sanitary pads market was valued at approximately $24.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $34.41 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. (Cognitive Market Research)

    •    In 2024, the feminine hygiene market worldwide generated a revenue of $49.75 billion, encompassing products like sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. (Statista)

Assumptions for Estimation:

    1.    Average Cost per Sanitary Pad: Assuming an average retail price of $0.10 per pad.

    2.    Market Share of Sanitary Pads: Estimating that sanitary pads constitute about 70% of the feminine hygiene market.

Calculation:

    1.    Annual Revenue from Sanitary Pads:

    •    70% of $49.75 billion = $34.825 billion.

    2.    Number of Sanitary Pads Sold Annually:

    •    $34.825 billion ÷ $0.10 per pad = 348.25 billion pads.

Conclusion:

Based on these assumptions, approximately 348 billion sanitary pads are sold—and presumably discarded—globally each year.

Note: This is a rough estimate. Actual figures may vary due to factors like regional pricing differences, varying market shares, and the use of alternative menstrual products.

To calculate the total volume of 348 billion sanitary pads, we first estimate the average volume of one sanitary pad:

Assumption:

Average Volume of One Pad: ~120 cm³ (0.12 liters or 0.00012 cubic meters).

Calculation:

Total Volume = Number of Pads x Volume of One Pad

Total Volume = 348,000,000,000 pads x 0.00012m³ 

Total Volume = 41,760,000m³

Final Answer:

The total volume of 348 billion sanitary pads is approximately 41.76 million cubic meters.

Annually, this is equivalent to about 16 Great Pyramids of Giza.
In 33 years, the total volume would reach 1,378 million cubic meters

Here is a visualization of the Great Pyramid of Giza (2.58 million cubic meters) placed beside a much larger pyramid representing 1,378 million cubic meters, accurately scaled for comparison.